But his dream turned into disappointment when just days later he was told he couldn't perform on the popular Friday night show.

He claims he was "given no explanation" as to why.

Philip told The Sun: “I don’t know if it’s ageism or what. All I heard was RTE wanted ‘the girls’ who had performed in the final going on the Late Late Show — but then they went and brought a younger man instead.

“There was a judging panel. I won fair and square...it was announced from the stage, I was going to be on the Late Late Show next Friday.

"I’ve been doing this for years so this was a huge breakthrough to perform on Ireland’s biggest TV show.”

In a statement released to The Sun, an RTE spokesperson said: “Appearances on The Late Late Show are, as always, within the editorial control of the show’s production team.

“Following a review of clips filmed during the karaoke competitions, the singers chosen by the team to take part in Friday night’s show were made on the basis of their suitability for a live performance on The Late Late Show, quality of performance as well as choice of song.

“Neither age nor gender were factors in choosing the performers taking part.”